WETA Workshop Brings “Fluttenator 300” to Life

Thursday, January 14, 2010

A once in a life time opportunity has been realised for the lucky winner of the Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time weapon design competition.

The ‘Flutternator 300’ designed by Darrin Hurd, of Christchurch, was selected as the winner out of 200 entries. A model replica of the Flutternator 300 will be built by the world famous WETA Workshop; the special effects and design force behind award winning film projects such as; The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia and their latest project, Avatar.

Competition judge, Brian Allgeier – Creative Director of Insomniac Games, developer of the Ratchet & Clank franchise - was impressed by the amazing range of creative weapon design entries, but unfortunately there could only be one winner. Darrin’s design stood out from the rest with well thought out aesthetics, and the quirky concept combined with Brian’s fear of butterflies elevated him above the rest.

“The Fluttenator 300 gives my spine the shivers. I have a particular dislike for butterflies, especially killer butterflies fired from a gun. This weapon is definitely unique and is strategic with a funny twist” says Brian.

Darrin has always wanted to own a WETA Workshop ray-gun so winning his own specially crafted personalised weapon for his mantle piece is complete gold.

“To have my design selected by Brian and made by the famous WETA Workshop is the ultimate chance of a life time, I can’t wait to see what the end result will look like,” says Hurd.

The promotion was run in conjunction with the launch of the latest Ratchet and Clank adventure. Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time™ for PlayStation®3 (PS3™) sees the hot-headed Lombax and his lovable robot pal return to PS3 in a chaotic adventure that’ll stretch your imagination and have the whole family in hysterics. This is the ideal game for youngsters (and young-minded grownups) to keep busy this season.